his issue is full of insights to help you make the most of the spring
buying season. Selecting the right merchandise and displaying it
well are rudimentary but vital parts of succeeding in retail, and we
aim to offers instructive sales ideas on how to build on the enjoyment
your customers get from browsing and shopping.
Selling apparel well can make or break a souvenir or gift store, and in this
issue we present stories on resort and state and national park
apparel. These markets are not as different as one might think, as both serve
tourists who buy apparel items to ward off the chill or sun and as a remembrance
of their visit.
In our ZAG section this month we address renovating, remodeling and
relocating zoo and aquarium gift stores. Although big changes in a
retail space might seem to create a chain reaction of what appear to be daunting
tasks, once the dust settles shop managers can reap the rewards of
increased sales and guest satisfaction.
Pirate merchandise, which is enjoying phenomenal sales, is casting a wider
net, moving beyond appealing to young boys and toward men, women and
girls, our story found. All types of merchandise is now available, from apparel
and games to flags and magnets. And we also offer a piece on nautical
museum shops, which offer goods that speak to guests’ fascination with
the sea.
We also offer reports on the unique challenges faced by college bookstores, trends in the graduation gift category, and how hospital
shops are reaching out to a broad clientele with relevant and quality
gifts and sundries.
March is our Megabucks Survey issue, and this year we report on retail
operations with 2006 sales that range from $100,000 to $400 million.
Father’s Day is a holiday where unusual gifts, such as tools, barbecue
sauces and funny ties, are a perfect way to recognize the important men in
shoppers’ lives. Our Father’s Day Report this issue looks at the history and
traditions of the holiday and current trends.
We also offer stories that explore gains being made in the skincare industry, inspirational gifts, discount stores, and
Christmas retailing. And be sure to check out our product spotlight
section and to look for your colleagues’ pictures on our trade show photograph
pages.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Please e-mail us at the address below with
your comments, questions and suggestions.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
EDITORSGNMAG@KANEC.COM
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